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Hyundai Azera: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 13, 2026
The Hyundai Azera is a large, front-wheel-drive sedan known for its roomy cabin, quiet ride, smooth V6 power, and generous comfort features. It delivers a near-luxury experience in a straightforward everyday car.
Across its U.S. run, the Azera stayed focused on space, comfort, and strong value rather than sporty handling. V6 power, a calm ride, and a well-equipped cabin were central to its character. Its recurring appeal was luxury-like room and amenities without a luxury-brand badge.
Strengths
- Its quiet, comfort-focused ride makes everyday driving and long trips feel relaxed.
- The roomy cabin gives the Azera the space expected from a large sedan.
- Leather seating and a long list of comfort features help the interior feel richer than a typical everyday car.
- The V6 delivers smooth power, with the 2017 model rated at 293 horsepower.
- Hyundai included many comfort and safety features as standard equipment, so even lower versions were well equipped.
Who it's for
The Azera fits used-car shoppers who want a roomy, relaxed sedan for commuting, road trips, or carrying adults in comfort. It makes the most sense for someone who values a quiet cabin and generous equipment more than sharp handling, all-wheel drive, or a prestige badge.
Hyundai Azera lineup
The core Azera, called GLS in earlier years, carries the model’s main appeal: V6 power, a comfortable cabin, and plenty of equipment without moving to the top trim. Pick it when the Azera’s space and smoothness matter more than extra luxury touches. Limited is the step-up choice, with richer comfort and technology features; in later years, it also gained more advanced driver aids such as smart cruise control. The 2012 and 2013 models were exceptions to the usual two-trim structure, using one heavily equipped model instead.
Hyundai Azera generations
From 2009 to 2017, the Azera spans two generations. The current 2nd U.S. Generation — HG arrived for 2012, following the 1st U.S. Generation (2006–2011).
2nd U.S. Generation — HG (2012–2017)
A full redesign brought new styling, a 293-hp 3.3-liter V6, a six-speed automatic, and a much richer set of standard comfort and safety features. A 2015 refresh updated the exterior and added more standard technology.
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2017
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto became standard with the 8-inch navigation system.
2016
Limited gained adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, an electronic parking brake, and automatic brake hold.
2015Mid-cycle update
Front and rear styling was refreshed, and more safety and convenience features became standard across the lineup.
2014Trim changes
The lineup changed from one main model with an option package to separate Azera and Azera Limited trims.
2013
Carryover year with the same V6, front-wheel drive, and single-trim format.
2012New generation
Fully redesigned with new styling, a 293-hp V6, a six-speed automatic, and more standard equipment.
1st U.S. Generation (2006–2011)
The first U.S.-market Azera was a roomy, front-wheel-drive V6 sedan offered in GLS and Limited trims. Updates during its final years revised the ride, styling, engines, and transmission without replacing the underlying generation.
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2011Mid-cycle update
Updated front and rear styling joined stronger V6 tuning and a new six-speed automatic across both trims.
2010
Limited gained driver-seat, mirror, and steering-column memory along with added interior trim.
2009Mid-cycle update
Steering, suspension, grille, wheels, cabin trim, and audio connections were updated across the lineup.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the Hyundai Azera.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Hyundai Azera a luxury car?
Not officially. The Hyundai Azera is a large sedan with near-luxury space, comfort, and equipment, but it wears a mainstream Hyundai badge. Its focus is a quiet ride, leather-lined comfort, and an easy-to-use cabin rather than a separate luxury-brand experience.
What kind of car is the Hyundai Azera, and how many people does it seat?
The Hyundai Azera is a four-door large sedan with seating for five. In the final U.S. lineup, it had 36.8 inches of rear legroom and a 16.3-cubic-foot trunk, supporting its role as a roomy car for passengers and luggage.
What is the Hyundai Azera known for?
The Hyundai Azera is known for a smooth, quiet ride, a roomy cabin, strong V6 power, and generous standard equipment. It aims for relaxed highway comfort and a premium feel rather than sharp, sporty responses.
Is the Hyundai Azera sporty to drive?
Not especially. The Hyundai Azera favors smoothness, quietness, and cabin comfort over sporty handling. Its V6 provides strong power, but the overall character suits relaxed commuting and highway travel more than aggressive driving.
Who is a used Hyundai Azera a good fit for?
A used Hyundai Azera suits someone who wants a roomy, comfortable sedan with V6 power and many upscale features. It is especially appealing for highway travel, carrying adult passengers, or getting near-luxury comfort without moving to a luxury badge.
How different are the older and newer Hyundai Azera generations?
They differ substantially. The 2009-2011 cars belong to the earlier U.S. generation, while the 2012 redesign brought new styling, a 293-hp V6, and much richer standard equipment. A 2015 refresh then updated the appearance and added more standard safety and convenience technology.
Is the Hyundai Azera a hybrid?
No. The U.S.-market Hyundai Azera covered here is a gas-powered sedan. The 2009-2017 lineup used V6 engines, and the 2012-2017 generation used a 293-hp 3.3-liter V6 with a six-speed automatic transmission.
Does the Hyundai Azera have AWD?
No. The U.S.-market Hyundai Azera uses front-wheel drive. AWD is not part of the 2009-2017 lineup described here.
Hyundai Azera Reviews
What owners are saying about the Hyundai Azera.
4.3
Hyundai Azera
(257 reviews)
“The car is absolutely beautiful inside and outside, overall driving experience is delightful, the interior make you feel comfortable and relax, and is pretty powerful and very fun to drive, the longevity of the car is well known too”
“The company has been good to me over the years I have had my Hyundai. My first company was excellent and the service department especially good.”
“I have enjoyed my Azera so far. Have not learned how to use all the technology yet. Because of the Blind Spot, and Lane Departure technology makes me feel safe on the highway when traveling even more so than our 2012 Lincoln Navigator.”
“I love my new Hyundai Azera. It is the perfect car for me. Had Infiniti still made the i35, I might have bought another one. But they discontinued it, and the Azera is far and away the closest thing to it, but I like it even better.”
“It's a great car for the price, and it has performed very well for me. This is my 5th Hyundai.”